“So it is with a heavy heart we say goodbye to equinox records. Im immensly proud of mr Stoppel for achieving so much in the brief time eqx was here and in the face of adversity and ongoing politics in the music industry.” (2econd Class Citizen)

“After 10 years of music, 50 releases from artists worldwide, Berlin’s legendary organic/electronic label: Equinox Records, closes their doors. …It’s truly sad for me to be sharing this news, but I am also extremely proud to have been a part of the EQX family.” (David Vangel)

Mar 1, 2013

As you may have heard, 2econd CLass Citizen is hitting the road this spring, touring Europe alongside the legendary producer Glen Porter (Content, Project: Mooncircle, Ooohh! Thats Heavy). Furthermore, 2econd Class Citizen will be joined by Kevin Matthews and they’ll be performing as The 2econd CLass Citizen Project.

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Bellow, you’ll find information and currently confirmed dates but, before you do that, take a moment to watch this nice promo video about the tour.
And, of-course, you are always welcome to share and spread by posting this on your blog or facebook profile ; )

This spring, Glen Porter (Project: Mooncircle) and 2econd Class Citizen (Equinox Records) will be touring together in europe.

With the help of ableton, an electric guitar, korg padcontrol, and a novation launchpad Porter recreates his ferocious dread fueled guitar-bass-drum-driven instrumentals. Using crisp and snappy beat thunder augmented by shuddering layers of tremolo-laden guitar twang Porter takes you on a journey through surf/psych/prog/folk beats drowned with wailing guitars and volcanic drumming. Set sail deep into the psyche of the “one-man-band”, Glen Porter, in his set for “The open road and the smell of blood” European tour spring 2013.

2econd Class Citizen (Equinox Records) has been keeping listeners spellbound with his unique psych/folk/hip-hop fusion for many years. Now he’s joined by Kevin Matthews a multi instrumentalist and keys man with a classical background and a love of many other styles from jazz to d&b for part 2 of The Small Minority tour. featuring music from his two albums both of which recieved favourible reviews from many well respected artists and reviewers alike.
This project draws on Kevin’s musical skills and Aaron’s intuitive and astounding song building wizardry – expanding the sound in a truly exciting fashion.

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We hope one of these shows will be near your area because we are most certain you will love it. If not, don’t worry. You might still have a chance since more tour dates might be added soon!
Be on the lookout.
You can stay up-to-date by visiting the event’s page on facebook, right here:https://www.facebook.com/events/475395442540332/

Jan 31, 2013

Today, we are happy to share the video for a different and very exciting version of 2econd Class Citizen’s classic tune “On Emptiness“.

This new version is entitled “On Emptiness, The Endless Orbit” and features Kevin Matthews on the piano. The result brought by this collaboration is overwhelming and can easily be described as what we call “organic/electronic” sound.

As for the video, it is made by 2econd Class Citizen himself. Another aspect of his vast creativity.
Enjoy and share!

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Furthermore, both 2econd Class Citizen and Kevin Matthews will be touring Europe alongside the legendary producer Glen Porter this spring.

Tour dates are still being scheduled, but here’s what’s been confirmed so far:

Jul 5, 2012

We’d like to inform you that 2econd Class Citizen will be touring Europe this summer, starting from next week’s shows in Czech Republic. Below you’ll find the complete schedule of his shows so far, but be on the lookout ‘cause more shows may be added soon.

Jun 9, 2012

For those of you who missed thursday’s Solid Steel Radio Show live stream featuring 2econd Class Citizen and also for those who did catch it but want to listen to it again, here it is, available for streaming and download on Ninja Tune’s soundcloud:

Also, don’t forget there is a limited CDr version of this mix, included on the exclusive HHV bundle for “The Small Minority” were only a very few are still available(!)
So, be quick to grab yours!

Fresh from the release of his new album ‘The Silent Minority‘, 2econd Class Citizen takes us into an outer space-themed set created especially for the launch party for DJ Food‘s “The Search Engine” earlier this year. Amongst some of his own creations he takes us from Hip Hop to Psyche Rock with even a Sesame Street tune in the mix – truly out of this world.

May 25, 2012

Today, we are happy to announce the release of the long-awaited second full-length by 2econd Class Citizen, entitled “The Small Minority”.

This may be one of our proudest moments this year and we truely believe this album is 2econd Class Citizen at his very best. A brilliant follow up to his “A World Without” debut almost 3 years ago.

We’re sure that many of you have already listened to the EP, checked out the great video by Simon Walter or downloaded the free DJ Food Megamix on Bandcamp. Some of you that have pre-ordered the album in our online shop or at hhv.de (check the limited bundle!) may already hold the album in their hands.

To those that haven’t done anything of the above: check this album out! We are sure, you’ll like what you hear. The feedback so far has been quite overwhelming and we picked a few quotes that you can read below. We would appreciate your support in buying a vinyl copy, the nice digipak CD or a download. Please also help us to spread the word!

Last but not least we want to thank everybody again who was involved in the creation of this album as well as the EP and Postcard Vinyl release: guest musicians, artwork, mixing and mastering, video art, promotion – more than 20 people helped to make this album reality! Thanks!

Selected quotes from the press, colleagues, artists and friends around the globe. Here we go:

POPCULTUREZ: “Impressively catchy album”

HIGHFIDELITYSTORIES “One of the best albums of the year already!”

COLLAPSEBOARD.COM “It’s certainly the finest album of its type I’ve heard since Amon Tobin’s ISAM.”

UNDERSONG.UK: “Nothing could have prepared me for the beauty of the album. From the gentle, enchanting welcome of ‘And Now, Nothing’ to the uptempo, Latin-inspired rhythms of ‘Liberated Lady’, this album is a peaceful yet powerful watercolour of perfection.” 9/10

“Really lovely moments on here. Nice…”Fink (Ninja Tune)

“Your Album sounds great, congratulations! I definitely want to check out your record collection as you obviously had some crazy stuff!”DJ Format

“Okay man, I gotta tell you: your album is fucking BEAUTIFUL. I’m in love with it already. So lush! I’m about 2/3 in but I just thought I’d ‘live text’ it! Incredible work brother.“Buddy Peace

“I’m loving your album so much, the layers and subtleties in it are amazing. The pace is generally slow and the mood melancholy but it never feels morose or depressing, there’s a kind of beautiful sadness to it, and such gorgeous acoustic samples.”DJ Food (Ninja Tune)

May 14, 2012

Today, we proudly present the first video for 2econd Class Citizen’s new album for the stunning track “Change (What We’re Creating)”. The video was directed, animated and illustrated by Simon Walter who we want to thank for his awesome work! Additionally, we want to thank all other people who were involved in the making and creation of the video.

May 4, 2012

As you all know, we are counting backwards for the release of the brand new 2econd Class Citizen full length, “The Small Minority”, which drops end of the month.

Today, in collaboration with our long time friends at hhv.de, we would like to announce a really special pre-order for you:

hhv.de will offer a bundle (CD or Vinyl) that includes an additional poster as well as a CD-R version (limited to 100 numbered copies (!) and with new artwork) of the amazing album megamix by DJ Food which was launched as a stream a few days ago on Soundcloud!

So, only the first 100 people who pre-order either the CD or Vinyl version via hhv will get this! Be quick and grab yours in the links below!

May 2, 2012

Today, we are really proud to announce a preview of 2econd Class Citizen‘s album in the form of a megamix from none other than Strictly Kev aka DJ Food of Ninja Tune Records. Taking ‘The Small Minority‘, cutting it down to size and fitting it into a 16 minute mix was no mean feat, but he managed to pull it off effortlessly and with the skill you have become accustom to if you have ever heard a DJ Food mix.
A keen supporter of 2econd Class Citizen and our label over the years. He’s always had the time to do a nice write up in his blog www.djfood.org and help us in any way he can. So without any further ado make sure you check this great 16 minute mix on Strictly Kev‘s soundcloud page or download it on our bandcamp page where you can additionally pre-order the album. The album will drop on May 25th and is distributed via Kudos (Worldwide) and Fake Four Inc. (USA, Japan).

May 1, 2012

Today, we are proud to announce the official release for the vinyl version of 2econd Class Citizen’s “Outside Your Doorway EP” which comes on a limited cut of 300 pcs (!)

The release of the vinyl version marks not only the completion of this EP, but also the start of the countdown for the long-anticipated full lenght, “The Small Minority” which will also come out later this month. Be on the lookout!

A few words about the EP:

After a super limited postcard vinyl set which literally sold out within 5 minutes, the “Outside Your Doorway EP” is the second teaser for the outstanding new 2econd Class Citizen album “The Small Minority”. The vinyl 12” and digital release feature exclusive remixes by Dday One and Buddy Peace, a bonus track together with long time collaborator James Reindeer as well as two of the main album tracks.

Apr 21, 2012

Today, we are proud and happy to announce the official release for the Digital Version of 2econd Class Citizen’s “Outside Your Doorway EP”.

After a super limited postcard vinyl set which literally sold out within 5 minutes, the “Outside Your Doorway EP” is the second teaser for the outstanding new 2econd Class Citizen album “The Small Minority”.

The vinyl 12” and digital release feature exclusive remixes by Dday One and Buddy Peace, a bonus track together with long time collaborator James Reindeer as well as two of the main album tracks.

Apr 18, 2012

Today – and only until this Friday, April 20th – we’d like to share with you the great 2007 EP by 2econd Class Citizen,entitled “Wyred Folk”, as a Full – Hi Resolution – FREE Download, and also announce the Second 2CC Contest, as promised a week and a half earlier when we announced the “Outside Your Doorway” test pressing competition.

Wyred Folk EP Artwork (2007)

Please read the following information carefully and be sure to grab your chance to win some amazing – and very rare in most cases – 2cc vinyl releases.

It goes like this…

Everyone who downloads the EP through 2CC’s Bandcamp page (link follows) will be sent 5 questions next Saturday to answer to, and then will be able to win one of his incredibly limited Postcard packagesor a runner’s up prize of a rare test pressing of “Wyred Folk”. 3rd prize runner up gets a vinyl copy of his new EP “Outside Your Doorway” with guests Dday One, Buddy Peace and James Reindeer.

Also, check out a brand new track of his EP, entitled “Liberated Lady (Budd Peace Remix)”, which has been uploaded recently and is available for streaming and is now offered as a limited-time Free Download (only until tomorrow)! Be quick to grab it!

Finally, be on the lookout for the next 2CC competition (to be announced next week) for winning one of the two remaining Postcard sets!

Sincerely,
The Equinox Records team.

Original Post by 2econd Class Citizen:

Thanks to everybody posting my facebook page and spreading the word! I just reached the 1111 friend mark yesterday so now it’s my turn to give you something in return. Here we go:

1. Outside Your Doorway Test Pressing Competition

As announced, we will give away one of the test pressings (only 4 copies exist!!) of my new EP on Equinox Records. The task is relatively simple, you just have to answer the questions below and send an email to xxx with the headline “Outside Your Doorway EP – I want that awesome testpressing!”:

- How many songs does the EP contain?
- Name the 2 remixers?
- Which rapper is featured on the EP?
- What will be the name of my new album?
- What was the name of the track that I recently remixed for DJ Food?

As promised we are going to share a new track from my EP with you. This remix is for the album track “Liberated Lady” and was done by my homie Buddy Peace! More than just streaming it we also decided to give this track away FOR FREE (only until tomorrow, as above)!!! So go ahead and check the link to the track below.

By the way, if you want to pre-order the 12” vinyl version of the EP, Equinox Records just re-launched the bundle offer on their Online Store where you can buy my EP alongside another cool release on Equinox by Deckard. Check the offer right here:2econd Class Citizen / Deckard Bundle Package

3. Postcard Set Competition

Finally, we also said we are going to give away one of the 2 remaining copies of the ultra limited postcard sets. We will announce the competition for this next week via my facebook page. Just stay tuned!!

Feb 14, 2012

We had planned to write this a lot earlier so here is a kind of late overview about what’s going in 2012 on our label – because, actually, there is A LOT!!!

2econd Class Citizen (picture Zia)

First of all, we would like to announce the incredible new album by 2econd Class Citizen, called “The Small Minority” which will be released in early May in cooperation with the new Indie powerhouse Fake Four Inc that will support the US release. It’s 2econd Class Citizen’s second album and we believe that it’s a remarkable step up from his debut LP “A World Without”. The album will be supported with an advance vinyl postcard set (drops February 24th) as well as a single which is scheduled for early April. Furthermore, an album promo mix will be provided by non other than Strictly Kev aka DJ Food. We will soon have more info about all these exciting new releases, so stay tuned!

Next up, Deckard, who blessed us with his astonishing debut album at the end of last year, will drop another single on Equinox for the outstanding album track “Günesim” – this single will include a great remix by an emerging new talent on the German electronic scene, Anthony Drawn, as well as an alternative version by Deckard himself. Moreover, Deckard is about to drop a second album on Equinox still this year!!

DJ Scientist (picture Theresa Legler)

You may already have heard about DJ Scientist’s new EP, “The Artless Cuckoo”, which drops at the end of this week, but, may not be aware that plans are in the works to release his first official debut album this year as well. It is actually his unreleased album from 2006. More news about this will follow shortly.

In addition to finishing his solo stuff, Scientist is also working on a 2nd album with Ceschi. There’s only a few more tracks to be finished – so we all hope that a follow up release to the successful “The One Man Band Broke Up” album will be released this year.

Approximately in late May or June, Greek producer Andreikelos, who blessed us with his great remix of Ceschi’s “Black And White And Red All Over” on New Year’s Eve, will drop a first EP on Equinox called “Euryphaessa”. Be on the lookout for a really beautifully composed and exceptional release in Andreikelos’ trade mark style of organic electronic beats.

Playpad Circus (picture Max Winter)

Producer talent Playpad Circus from Berlin is about to finish work on his EP project. A release date is not fixed yet but this long awaited debut EP, which is likely to be released in cooperation with Project: Mooncircle, should definitely drop in a few months.

Anyone remember the “Leinwand EP” which was one of the few vinyl releases on our sublabel Audiac in 2006? Yes? Good! Aqua Luminus III and Misanthrop have joined forces again to deliver a great follow up EP that contains some seriously dope features by the likes of Ceschi, 2Mex, James PHoney, as well as Germany’s turntablist icon DJ Stylewarz! What more can we say?

Last but not least we have a few uprising new talents to drop music on our label as well. It’s too early to talk about it yet – but we’re ready to drop a serious bunch of great new music this year, so watch out!

And finally, for the end of the year, we would like to announce our 10 year anniversary release which will actually be the next part of our “Sound Exposure” series. Again, it’s still too early to talk about this project, but we’ll definitely keep you updated!

Dec 7, 2011

End of this month, the great left fields documentary (that partly features the Equinox artists Ceschi, 2econd Class Citizen and DJ Scientist) will be available on DVD. Don’t miss to get one of the limited copies that come in a fantastic hand made silk screen cover. You can already pre-order the DVD right here and we will ship it as soon as we have it on stock:

Interviewing MCs, label operators, producers and bookers, “left fields” explores the network of genre-crossing artists such as Ceschi, Noah23, Babel Fishh, Th’ Mole, Gonjasufi, Robot Koch, Comfort Fit, Fulgeance, Oskar Ohlson, who collaborate within networks across Germany, Switzerland and Austria. So basically it is a lot about the spirit and maybe punk attitude of this movement.

Working with a very limited budget “left fields” tries to provide an insight into the alternative hip hop scene featuring various concerts, the development of art work (design, screen-printing, etc.) and of course the opinions and stories of everyone involved. “left fields” comes with a hand-made, screen printed cover on a limited edition DVD and is going to be launched in Austrian cinemas and festivals in December 2011.

Nov 7, 2011

Today, the new DJ Food single drops via Ninja Tune. The track “Magpie Music” features our main man 2econd Class Citizen on a dope 11+ minute collaboration consisting of 9 different beat sections. You should definitely check this release out!

The last in a trilogy of EPs that forms the bulk of the upcoming album ‘The Search Engine‘, the ‘Magpies, Maps & Moons‘ EP features 5 tracks with the 12″ vinyl contained inside a poster cover by 2000ad artist Henry Flint. The lead track ‘Prey‘ is a collaboration with JG Thirlwell aka Foetus aka Steroid Maximus aka…too many to list, whilst the B-side contains an 11+ minute collaboration with 2econd Class Citizen called ‘Magpie Music‘, consisting of 9 different sections, a kind of modern day ‘Beats n Pieces’.

Sep 18, 2011

Our friend Dday One will be releasing a deluxe version of his sought after first EP from 2005 called “Loop Extensions“. The Deluxe version, coming out as a beautiful double vinyl, will additionally feature contributions by Equinox artists 2econd Class Citizen and David Vangel among other guests such as Glen Porter, Long Arm, Inner Science and 2tall.